Othello


Exam Technique Writing Top-Grade Essays


SEC guidelines require examiners to mark the Single Text Othello question ex 60 by reference to the criteria for assessment, using the PCLM breakdown of marks.


P: Clarity of Purpose (18/60 marks) refers to addressing the task in the question. It is essential when developing a response to identify all the key elements of the question and adopt a viewpoint or stance: agree/disagree wholly or in part.


Note: Examiners will reward: focus/relevance of response/well-chosen, compelling points/originality of thought/understanding of genre/evidence of critical literacy, etc.


C: Coherence of Delivery (18/60 marks) refers to sustaining an effective response throughout the answer. It is vital to sustain a coherent response over the entire answer. Successful responses demonstrate clear management of ideas, suitable references and/or quotation, and close engagement with the play.


Note: Examiners will reward: sustained focus/appropriate management and sequencing of ideas/ coherence.


L: Efficiency of Language Use (18/60 marks) refers to the management and control of language appropriate to the task.


Note: Examiners will reward: effectively substantiated/apt use of examples, key moments, engagement with the text, etc. Language managed and controlled to achieve clear communication throughout/fluency/quality of expression, etc.


M: Accuracy of Mechanics (6/60 marks) refers to spelling and grammar, appropriate to the register. Marks for M are essentially independent of P, C and L marks.


60 marks H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 Total 100%


Remember! 54–60 48 42 36 30 24 18 0–17


P/C/L 30% 17–18 15 13 11 9 8 6 0–5 M 10% 6


Chief Examiner’s Report Observations Š It is the question set which must be answered.


Š Students should be assisted to develop the skills needed to shape, manipulate and adapt their knowledge to produce measured, informed and reflective responses.


Š Some examiners identified candidates who were able to demonstrate knowledge of a text … but were less able to deliver this knowledge in a lucid and coherent fashion.


Š It is essential that candidates fully engage with the terms of any question attempted, challenging the terms of the question, perhaps disagreeing with some part or the entire premise outlined.


Š Examiners were impressed when candidates presented lucid responses to questions based on their knowledge and understanding of the texts, augmented by a well-reasoned argument, point of view or opinion.


Š Examiners were pleased when they saw candidates trust in their own personal response and demonstrate a willingness to challenge the ‘fixed meaning’ of texts.


Š Careless use of quotation served to undermine answers. www.examinations.ie 216 5 4 4 3 2 2 0–1


Examiners will penalise unfocused narrative. Avoid retelling the story of the play or merely summarising.


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